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"we will not be worse because of the worst. we must be good because of the best."

I can think of little else today but one Norwegian's commentary on the Utøya massacre and Oslo bombing:

In the safest, most boring country, the worst lone gunman shooting happens. The worst in the world, in history. But it will not make our country worse. The safe, boring democracy will supply him with a defense lawyer as is his right. He will not get more than 21 years in prison as is the maximum extent of the law. Our democracy does not allow for enough punishment to satisfy my need for revenge, as is its intention. We will not become worse, we will be better. We lived in a land where this is possible, even easy. And we will keep living in a land where this is possible, even easy. We are open, we are free and we are together. We are vulnerable by choice. And we will keep on like that, that's how we want to live. We will not be worse because of the worst. We must be good because of the best.

I was so humbled when I read this today. This person has the amazing vulnerability to admit that we all have it within us – the thirst for revenge when someone has wronged us. The desire for the ability to stand up, head held high, as we watch those who have wronged us suffer, smug with the knowledge that we were right all along, ha ha. If only we could forgive like this. If only we could carry on, choosing to be vulnerable, choosing to be better, choosing life and love instead of bitterness and revenge.

If only this had been the cry of our nation ten years ago when a similar tragedy struck our shores...

We are open, we are free, and we are together.We are vulnerable by choice. And we will keep on like that, that's how we want to live. We will not be worse because of the worst. We must be good because of the best.